Learning how to write a video script can be challenging because it’s quite a different style from that of other writing.
You have to consider that people will be listening and watching rather than reading. You can’t write a video script in the same style or format as a blog post, article, or advertisement.
Video content has become one of the most popular forms of marketing and communication over the past few years. Consider these stats:
- 91% of businesses use video as a marketing tool.
- 96% of marketers say video is an integral part of their marketing strategy.
- 92% of marketers say their video marketing gives them a positive return on investment.
- 96% say their videos have helped customers understand their product or service.
As you can see, video is becoming essential to marketing strategies. Now is the time to use video marketing if you haven’t already incorporated it into your business.
This article will dive into the questions you should ask yourself when you’re learning how to write a video script that people will remember.
1. What’s Your Goal?
The first thing you need to do is have a clear goal. Ask yourself:
- What do you want the video script to accomplish?
- Is your primary goal to entertain, educate, or persuade the viewer?
- What is the one essential item you want the viewer to take away from this?
- Why should your viewer take the time to watch your video?
- What benefit will your viewer get?
Putting yourself in your customers’ shoes will give you better insight into what they’re looking for from you and why they’ll watch your video in the first place.
2. Who Is Your Target Audience?
The next crucial aspect of writing a memorable video script is deciding who you want to view your video. In other words, you need to define a target audience—the demographic that will most likely purchase your product or service.
You won’t be able to create a video that everyone is interested in, just as you can’t make a product everyone wants.
The more you can focus your video script on targeting who you want to sell to or who you need to watch your video, the more effective your video will be.
Ask yourself:
- What’s the age range of your intended audience? Is your video appealing to younger or older audiences?
- What types of careers and backgrounds do they have? Are they going to understand any technical language in the video?
- What are their interests, hobbies, and goals? Are they interested in things that relate to your product or service?
- What is the income of your target audience? Can they afford what you’re selling?
These questions will help you narrow down the demographic of your target audience. Once you have a clear picture of your ideal customer, you can shape your video script to speak to them most effectively.
One of the best ways to ensure your words sound exactly the way you want them is to have the professional team at Super Copy Editors edit and proofread your video script. Learn more about our services.
3. What Is Your Plan?
Now that you have a solid idea of your target audience and your goal, you can create a plan for the video script.
You can do this by asking yourself:
- What is your video’s core message that you want to drive home?
- How long do you want this video to be? It’s best to keep it short and sweet. According to vidyard.com, most marketing videos should be under two minutes long. However, the time might vary depending on your goal. An informative video, for example, might be much longer than two minutes, and a first-outreach sales video may be much shorter.
- How will the video end? Will you have a call to action? What will it be? How will the viewer take action on your website after watching the video?
Create an Outline
When you’re learning how to write a video script, it’s important to take a few minutes to organize and plan—this will save you countless hours and headaches later.
For example, creating an outline will help you glimpse potential issues, allowing you to tackle them before it’s time to start writing your video script.
Here’s another reason to map out your video script beforehand: You can speak approximately 23 words in 10 seconds. That translates to about 750 words in a five-minute video. A lot can happen in 750 words, so it’s best to break your script down into 30-second sections, or about 70 words each, to be sure your video’s message is always on point.
Don’t Miss: How to Write a Video Script (With Template)
Should Your Video Have a CTA?
Marketing videos should have a call to action (CTA), but informational and entertaining videos don’t necessarily need one. You can simply wrap them up with a concluding statement, summary, or resolution.
If you plan to include a CTA in the video, however, write clear instructions on what to do next and ensure the words on your website (or wherever the CTA is placed) match the words exactly in your script and on your video. You don’t want the viewer to have any confusion about the next steps.
4. How Will You Put It All Together?
Write the Script
Now that everything is outlined and ready to go, you can get down to the nitty-gritty of writing your script. And again, if you’ve made a good plan at the outset, writing a video script should be the easiest part of this process.
Keep in mind that words spoken in videos sound a little different from written words when you read them, so make sure the words in your script are as straightforward as possible. It’s best to start with something simple and work from there. Try using a conversational tone (i.e., write how you would talk).
To illustrate this point, consider a script about a new tech gadget:
- A more formal, stiff version might say: “This advanced technology device, laden with numerous innovative features, is undoubtedly the epitome of modern engineering.”
- On the other hand, a conversational tone would sound more like: “Check out this stunning new gadget. Packed with cool features, it’s a masterpiece of modern tech.”
Notice the difference? The conversational script is more engaging and natural. It sounds like a real person talking, not a textbook.
Remember, the goal is to connect with your audience, so don’t be afraid to use more relaxed language and let your personality shine through in your script. It’ll make your video content much more engaging and relatable.
Want even more advice? Here’s Kerry Barrett with more—in video form, of course:
Edit the Script
The best way to edit your video script is to read it aloud a few times.
Try to hear it as a customer would listen to it. If possible, record yourself saying the script and then watch it—or, more importantly, listen to it. You should be able to hear where you need to change certain words that sound odd when spoken out loud.
Your audience may not have your level of knowledge of the video’s subject matter, so keep that in mind when writing and editing.
For example, when listening to your recording, listen for words or terms that may need further explanation—or that need to be omitted if you run the risk of overexplaining.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to write a video script requires some planning and effort to turn it into a successful video.
It’s not the same as writing and editing blog posts, ads, white papers, or other materials. But once you can wrap your head around writing for someone who will speak your words instead of just reading them in their head, that mindset should help you smooth out your writing process.
And when it comes to editing your video script, listening to yourself going over the same lines repeatedly might not be the best option—it’s possible to train yourself to skip over the same errors over and over again.
So what’s the next step? Hiring a professional editor and proofreader to look over your script for spelling and grammar mistakes, tone, and flow.
At Super Copy Editors, we know how to make the words of your script sound natural, error-free, and engaging. If you want your video script to sound perfect, hire our team to edit it. Get a quick, personalized quote for our seasoned editors to put the polishing touches on your video script and other writing projects.
